What makes Cambodia special?

The world visits this tiny country for the chance to see the 8^th Wonder of the World, Angkor Wat, but falls in love with its carefree personality, charming colonial architecture, and friendly people. Rising from the ashes of its recent dark history with the Khmer Rouge in the late 70s, Cambodia is simply unforgettable in every way. Check out Mundo Asia’s top reasons why you should book your next holiday to Cambodia right away!

Legendary history

Ta Prohm Temple – A contemplative moment in an Angkorian-styled temple

It goes without saying, the Angkor Archaeological Complex is absolutely magnificent – a true bucket-list entry. Entering the complex and making your way to Angkor Wat in all its glory, especially at sunrise, may sound cliché at first, but once you’re there, you realise the magnitude of it all.

The intricate carvings and artwork, the sheer size, the reverence and solitude – it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most important archaeological sites all of Southeast Asia. In addition, these large “temple cities” and ancient capitals all show us the magnitude of ancient Khmer power, culture, artistry, and size, showcasing just how vast the Angkor Empire was in its golden age.

Besides Angkor Wat, temples like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea are excellent day-trips to consider if you’re staying a few days in Siem Reap. Banteay Srei, the citadel of women, is often hailed as the best example of Khmer artwork and sculptures, while Beng Mealea is a complex lost in the jungles and vines, slowly returning back to nature.

If temples are your thing, check out Sambor Prei Kuk in the forests 30 km outside of Kampong Thom or if headed south towards Battambang, wander around Wat Banan found high above the city on a hill.

Stunning cultural heritage

The muses of Hindu mythology

Going hand in hand with the Khmer’s legendary history, Cambodia is filled with a beautiful sense of cultural heritage. There are many cultural performances and shows to take in, such as the iconic Apsara dance, where women wearing the traditional sampot and frangipani flowers in their long hair gracefully and gently strike each pose in this time-honored traditional dance.

Lovers of modern performance can’t miss the Phare Circus, a mix of modern theatre, dance, and acrobatics mixed with traditional music to tell Cambodian historical and folk stories. Shows are available on a rotation basis in both Siem Reap and Battambang. Interestingly, the Phare Circus is a social enterprise committed to helping disadvantaged youths by giving them a chance to express themselves through performance, art, and dance.

Lastly, families with children can join shadow puppetry shows, an ancient art form traced all the way back to pre-Angkorian times. The most popular form is called Sbek thom and in 2008 was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The shows usually tell parts of the Reamker ,the Khmer version of the ancient Indian epic poem the Ramayana. You can catch these shows in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Tasty cuisine

Sample the national dish, Fish Amok

Did you know Cambodia’s fertile land is famous for supporting a plethora of spices and herbs? From the illustrious pepper plantations and salt fields of Kampot to superfoods like turmeric, moringa, and basil found in even the most simplest of gardens, Khmer cuisine is packed with delicious flavours and intensity.

These spices and herbs are used in extremely large portions usually priced between USD4-6. The national dish, Fish Amok, is a tantalizing blend of freshly-caught river fish marinated with coconut cream and spices before being steamed in a banana leaf. Served with a portion of rice, as are most dishes in the country, Fish Amok leaves guests wanting more with its delicate blend of delicious flavors. Other favorites include green mango salad, luk lak (a type of cubed-beef sautéed in spices), and red and green curries.

Shopaholics paradise

Handmade spices

You wouldn’t think it, but Cambodia is the perfect destination to shop for handicrafts made by local artisans. Boutique shops sell all manner of hand-made spa products from bath salts and hand creams to cute soaps and other natural bath products. Artwork like oil paintings and sculptures carved from wood and stone are also available, all crafted with extreme care.

Just because you’re in Cambodia doesn’t mean you have to skip out on luxury shopping! Haute Couture brands sell exquiste pieces of fashion in the form of painstakingly hand-woven silk dresses and scarves. The Eric Raisina Haute Couture House based in Siem Reap is a wonderland of bright colours and silhouettes inspired by the French 1920’s golden age.

Foodies will delight in the amount of spices on sale, most notably Kampot pepper, lemongrass powder, and Amok and Lok Lak spice mixtures. Jams, Liquors, and snacks like tasty banana chips or dried fruits are always available at a street-stall nearby.

An artisan creating a wooden sculpture in Artisans of Angkor

Off-the-beaten-path discoveries

I spy with my little eye a happy elephant

Most people who visit Cambodia only make it to Siem Reap and maybe Phnom Penh. But there is so much more to see and do here than in these two major cities. Stray off the road most travelled and spend some time in Kampong Thom, Kratie, and Mondulkiri.

As mentioned above, Kampong Thom is the starting point for visits to Sambor Prei Kuk, which is an even older complex than the legendary Angkor Wat complex. Continuing on, pass through Kratie, where the endangered Irrawaddy River dolphins still live. And then, far into the wild Mondulkiri province, spend time at the Mondulkiri Elephant Conservation Project to meet rescued elephants in an ethical way.

Beaches and islands galore

A quiet beach on Koh Rong island

Don’t forget about Cambodia’s coastline of quiet beaches and remote islands rarely visited by foreign visitors. The coastal cities of Sihanoukville and Kep are famous for their freshly caught, delicious seafood dinners as well as their quiet, long beaches and luxury accommodation.

Soft, powder white sands of remote islands like Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Thmei, Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Totang invite you to sunbathe and dip into the bright turquoise waters. By day, visit the colourful coral reefs and the schools of fish that inhabit them and by night, watch as the ocean begins to glow as bioluminescent plankton come out for their dinner.

Inspired yet? Contact one of our travel designers at Mundo Asia to begin planning your dream holiday to the Kingdom of Wonder!